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JIM BENDER, QMI Agency

Alex Brink will start at quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers when they take on the Montreal Alouettes in a CFL game at Canad Inns Stadium on Friday.

First-string QB Buck Pierce, who is nursing sore ribs, will not even dress.

Justin Goltz will be the backup and, according to the roster the Bombers released, Brandon Summers — not Michael Bishop as the Sun speculated — will be No. 3.

"We just want to make sure we want to get Buck healthy … and it was an easy decision to make," said Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice, who told both quarterbacks of the decision late Wednesday. "Buck was more sore than the previous time we played against Montreal."

LaPolice does not know if Pierce will sit out more than the one game.

"Of course, I'm disappointed," Pierce admitted. "It's sore (ribs) and it's going to continue to be sore … I think it will be better off in the long term.

"I need to get healthy as soon as possible and put this behind us, then move forward."

Brink has recovered from a dislocated shoulder, which will be taped up for the game so it doesn't pop out again.

"You always have to be prepared," he said. "My preparation's been the same as it's been all year and I'm ready for the opportunity."

Brink was brutal in his only start last season, but has more confidence this go-round.

"I'm way more prepared," he said. "I have a full year under my belt and got that experience in itself and another training camp, and some quality game experience this year. And the confidence I gained from playing well against B.C., and a little bit I played in Saskatchewan, then in Toronto before I got hurt (last Saturday)."

LaPolice said Brink has grown since last year.

"He processes information quicker, knows where he wants to go with the football and he just sees the field better," he said.

Winnipeg is in top spot in the East, but just two points ahead of Montreal.